CountyScore

Cumberland County

Maine · ME

#16 in Maine
62.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, Maine

Highest incomes in Maine, competitive nationally

Cumberland's composite score of 62.3 sits 25% above the national median of 50.0, driven largely by its income advantage. At $92,983 median household income, it's one of the wealthiest counties in Maine and well above rural peers.

Maine's income leader, livability mid-tier

Despite the highest median household income in Maine, Cumberland's overall composite score of 62.3 falls slightly below the state average of 66.9. This paradox reflects sky-high housing costs that offset wage advantages: median homes cost $411,400, the state's priciest.

Income and health outcomes lead the state

Cumberland dominates on income (44.1) and health (80.4), the state's best health score, reflecting strong employment in Portland's metro area and excellent hospital systems. Residents enjoy the highest wages and best medical access in Maine.

Housing affordability severely constrained

The cost score of 56.5 is Cumberland's critical weakness: median rents of $1,492/month and home values exceeding $411,000 consume 35-40% of household income even for six-figure earners. Risk factors score only 23.0, suggesting moderate environmental or market vulnerabilities.

Premium living for high-income professionals

Cumberland suits affluent professionals, established businesses, and dual-income households who can absorb $400K+ home purchases without strain. The county delivers Maine's best wages and hospitals, but demands the income to match its coastal-Maine price tag.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71Cost56.5SafetyComing SoonHealth80.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.1Risk23WaterComing Soon
🏛71
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cumberland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boulder County
Colorado
62.3
Median income: $102,772
Hardee County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $54,231
Martin County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $80,701
Okaloosa County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $79,097
Kalamazoo County
Michigan
62.3
Median income: $70,525

Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland taxes moderate despite high values

Cumberland County's 1.113% effective tax rate sits nearly at the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally. Despite a median home value of $411,400—the highest in Maine and 46% above the national median—residents pay $4,577 annually, which exceeds the national median tax of $2,690. Cumberland's combination of expensive homes and a slightly-above-average tax rate creates substantial annual bills.

Lowest tax rate among Maine's counties

Cumberland's 1.113% effective rate ranks tied-lowest among Maine's 16 counties, essentially equal to the state average of 1.107%. This restraint is remarkable given the county's premium home values and expensive housing market. Homeowners benefit from both a competitive tax rate and access to Southern Maine's economic opportunities.

Competitive rate despite premium market

Cumberland's 1.113% rate matches or beats surrounding counties like York and Oxford while commanding the state's highest median home values at $411,400. Knox County (1.253%) and Androscoggin (1.256%) charge substantially more despite lower home values. Cumberland's tax competitiveness combined with its desirable location makes it attractive to affluent residents.

Premium homes, premium tax bills

A median Cumberland home valued at $411,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $4,577, the highest median in Maine. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $4,601, while those without mortgages pay around $4,532 annually. Over a 30-year mortgage, that totals nearly $137,000 in property taxes on a median-priced home.

High-value homes warrant careful assessment review

With homes valued at $400,000-plus, even small assessment errors translate to hundreds in annual overpayment. Cumberland homeowners should request recent comparable sales data and verify their assessment accuracy, especially after market fluctuations. Successful appeals on high-value properties can deliver thousands in refunds and permanent tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland's housing costs pinch even high earners

Cumberland renters spend 19.3% of income on rent—higher than both Maine's average (17.4%) and the national average—despite the county's strong median household income of $92,983. This coastal premium reflects Cumberland's status as Maine's economic engine, home to Portland and surrounding prosperity.

Most expensive county in Maine by far

Cumberland ranks 16th (last) among Maine's 16 counties for affordability, with the highest rent-to-income ratio statewide and the most expensive median rent at $1,492. Even with the highest incomes in the state, Cumberland residents allocate significantly more to housing than peers.

Coastal premium outpaces all nearby counties

Cumberland's $1,492 rent dwarfs Hancock County ($1,000) to the north and Lincoln County ($1,003) to the northeast, reflecting Portland's urban demand. Median home values of $411,400 represent the priciest market in Maine and exceed Aroostook's by nearly $280,000.

Housing consumes a larger income share here

Renters pay $1,492 monthly while homeowners face $1,609, with the county's $92,983 median income still stretched thinner by housing costs than in other counties. At 19.3% of income devoted to rent alone, Cumberland households sacrifice more purchasing power despite higher absolute earnings.

Cumberland demands higher budget for urban benefits

If you're relocating to Maine's most vibrant urban center, expect to pay premium prices that offset strong incomes and opportunity. Compare Cumberland against the more affordable nearby counties—Hancock and Lincoln offer coastal charm at substantially lower costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland County far exceeds national average

Cumberland County's median household income of $92,983 stands $18,228 above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the top 20% nationally. The county is an income powerhouse driven by Portland's professional and service economy.

Highest income county in Maine

Cumberland County decisively leads all 16 Maine counties with a median household income of $92,983, nearly $26,000 above the state average of $66,872. The county's economic dominance is driven by Portland's professional services, healthcare, and education sectors.

Income gap with surrounding counties widens

Cumberland's $92,983 towers over neighboring York County and exceeds Knox County ($71,903) by over $21,000. The gap reflects Portland's status as Maine's economic center and job creation engine.

High incomes offset rising housing costs

Although Cumberland's median home value of $411,400 is the highest in Maine, the rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% remains manageable for median earners. Strong household incomes support homeownership even in this expensive market.

High earners should maximize wealth building

Cumberland County households earning $92,983 have substantial capacity to max out retirement accounts, invest in taxable portfolios, and diversify assets. Professional guidance on tax-efficient investing can accelerate wealth accumulation significantly.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Cumberland County leads the nation

At 79.5 years, Cumberland residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among America's healthiest counties. Only 12.4% report poor or fair health, well below national norms, reflecting strong economic resources and healthcare infrastructure. Cumberland's health advantage compounds over a lifetime, translating to thousands of extra years of life across the population.

Maine's gold standard for health

Cumberland's 79.5-year life expectancy exceeds Maine's average of 76.7 years by nearly 3 years, marking it as the state's healthiest county by a wide margin. With only 6.7% uninsured—the lowest in Maine—and 12.4% poor/fair health rates, Cumberland outperforms every other county statewide. The county's 166 primary care providers per 100K represent unmatched access to frontline care.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Cumberland's 79.5-year life expectancy towers 1.4 years above nearest rival Knox County (78.9 years) and a full 4.5 years above Androscoggin County (75.0 years). Its 6.7% uninsured rate is nearly half Hancock County's 11.5%, reflecting greater economic stability and job-based coverage. Provider density—166 primary care doctors per 100K—dwarfs most neighbors, enabling timely access to preventive and acute care.

Access and affordability converge here

Cumberland's combination of low uninsured rates (6.7%) and dense provider networks (166 primary care per 100K, 840 mental health per 100K) creates a healthcare environment most Americans only dream of. Residents benefit from comprehensive mental health resources and accessible primary care without geographic barriers. Economic strength translates into sustained health investment and outcomes.

Already covered? Keep it strong

If you live in Cumberland, your county's health advantage depends on maintaining coverage and preventive care. Review your current plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it still meets your needs. Staying proactive keeps Cumberland healthy for generations to come.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland ranks high nationally

Cumberland County's composite risk score of 77.00 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure across multiple hazard types. Hurricane risk (90.70) is particularly striking—among the highest in New England—while flood and earthquake risks also score in the upper 70s and 80s.

Second-riskiest county in Maine

At 77.00, Cumberland ranks second only to Aroostook (80.41) in Maine's risk hierarchy, 35% above the state average of 56.75. As home to Maine's largest city (Portland), Cumberland's coastal exposure and dense development amplify natural disaster impact potential.

Coastal location drives elevated risk

Cumberland's 77.00 score far exceeds inland neighbors like Franklin County (43.64) and reflects the premium of direct Atlantic exposure. The county's risk mirrors Aroostook's overall level (80.41) but through different hazard drivers: hurricanes over floods.

Hurricanes dominate Cumberland's threats

Hurricane risk reaches 90.70—the highest in Maine by far—making Atlantic storms your primary natural disaster concern. Flood risk (78.40) and earthquake exposure (81.14) also rank dangerously high, creating a triple threat for coastal and river-valley residents.

Hurricane prep is not optional

With a 90.70 hurricane risk score, invest in wind-resistant roof upgrades and comprehensive windstorm coverage immediately. Add flood and earthquake insurance to round out protection against all three major threats; coastal location makes comprehensive coverage a financial necessity, not luxury.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.